Deep sea mining a “serious threat” for unknown and fragile marine life [1]
Friday, July 14, 2023 - 11:00. Updated on Friday, July 14, 2023 - 11:00.
As critical talks on deeply-contested deep-sea mining continue in Jamaica this week, scientists fear the impacts of mining the seabed on the marine environment and wider climate, says the National Geographic Society (US) in a statement today.
This week, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) opened meetings in Jamaica, during which member countries are expected to debate the design and implementation of deep-sea mining regulations, despite growing opposition from scientists, businesses and others.
“Recent research has shown that the deep sea is a treasure trove of biodiversity and that the ocean floor serves as a critically-important carbon sink. Additional research has shown that deep sea mining has the potential to harm important tuna fisheries. In contrast, evidence shows that protecting the ocean can lead to greater fish hauls,” said the National Geographic Society Pristine Seas programme in a statement today.
Dr. Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Pristine Seas founder, said:
“Deep sea mining is a serious threat to the vastly unknown and fragile marine life of the depths. We have so much more to learn before opening the Pandora’s box. Companies and countries should not rush to mine the deep sea until we know enough about the impact of mining operations on the marine environment—and the climate. Right now, it doesn’t seem smart to destroy in minutes ecosystems that have taken millennia to grow.”
About Pristine Seas
Pristine Seas works with Indigenous and local communities, governments, and other partners to help protect vital places in the ocean using a unique combination of research, community engagement, policy work, and strategic communications and media. Since 2008, our program has conducted 39 expeditions around the world and helped establish 26 marine reserves, spanning more than 6.5 million square kilometers of ocean.
Image: Drazen et al.